With fatalities rising fast, NHTSA has enacted rules requiring the use of sophisticated detection and auto-braking technologies intended to protect pedestrian – as well as those riding bicycles and motorcycles. But automakers are pushing back, claiming they can’t meet the new mandates set to go into effect in 2029.
Paul Eisenstein
Ford EV Skunkworks Program Sets Up Shop in Southern California
Ford’s secret “skunkworks” program aimed at developing “a new generation” of affordable – and profitable – EVs will operate out of a new headquarters in Long Beach, California, not far from an old factory company founder Henry Ford set up 94 years ago to build the automaker’s Model A.
Tesla Cybertruck Faces Two More Recalls
Still in its early ramp-up phase, the Tesla Cybertruck has faced a serious of problems since its official launch last November. The latest signs of trouble? Two new safety recalls — including windshield wiper failures — that can’t be fixed with updated software.
New Tariffs Force Volvo to Delay U.S. Launch of Chinese-Made EX30 EV
Volvo has “delayed” the U.S. launch of the EX30 battery-electric vehicle due to new tariffs on Chinese-made EVs announced in May by the Biden administration. That delay appears likely to last until at least sometime in 2025 when the automaker plans to begin production of the EX30 at a second plant in Ghent, Belgium.
A Week With: 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe – A 2-Door “Love Child”
Think of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe as two cars in one, blending the best of the prior-generation C-Class and E-Class models into one all-new offering. With its distinctively sporty design, a choice of two mild hybrid drivetrains, a lavishly appointed interior...
2025 Volkswagen Golf R Updated Where It Matters: Under the Hood
Patience, patience. If you live in the U.S. you’ll have to wait for the updated 2025 Volkswagen Golf R. Buyers in Europe can already place orders, however, and the initial introduction is impressive. While there are the usual mid-cycle design tweaks, the big news is a roughly 5% increase in power that will make the hot hatch the fastest VW-branded model ever once it reaches the States next year.
Twork Named New Lucid PR Chief as it Enters a Critical Phase
Lucid Group named a new PR chief, Nick Twork taking on global communications duties at the EV start-up. The move comes at a critical time for the Silicon Valley-based automaker. While its initial product line, the Air sedan, has received generally favorable reviews, Lucid has been struggling with sluggish sales and a rapid cash burn while waiting for the more mainstream Gravity SUV to debut later this year.
First Look: 2025 Volkswagen Jetta and Jetta GLI
After teasing the launch of the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta and Jetta GLI, Volkswagen has formally lifted the covers on its popular compact sedan family. The updated four-door delivers some surprises, starting with a lower entry price point. But the trade-off is the lack of any powertrain upgrades, Headlight.News reports.
VW Teases 2025 Jetta, Jetta GLI
Volkswagen’s updated Jetta and Jetta GLI models make their debut this week, with the revised line-up expected to reach showrooms later this year. We could see a welcome upgrade in performance, as well as modest design tweaks. But might the manual gearbox be going away? Here’s what we know so far.
First Drive: 2025 Infiniti QX80 – the Flagship the Brand Needs
As it enters its 35th year in the luxury market, Infiniti is searching for the product that can provide a halo, helping it stand out from competing marques from Japan, Europe and the U.S. As we discovered during a visit to California’s lush Napa Valley wine country,...
For $4 Million You Can Get The New, 1,800-HP Bugatti Tourbillion
With the EV market cooling, hybrids are the hot ticket – and even hypercar brand Bugatti is getting into the game. For just $4 million you can drive off with the new, 1,800-horsepower Bugatti Tourbillion, the first new product from the French automaker since it was taken over by Croatia’s Rimac.
Cyberattack Cripples Car Dealers Across U.S.
As many as 15,000 auto dealers across the United States and Canada are largely unable to operate as a result of a series of cyberattacks on CDK, a major data provider that runs the software used for everything from negotiating sales to scheduling service. It’s unclear what’s behind the attack – or when CDK will be back up and running.